Question 1

What is Neonatal Lupus?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal lupus is a rare autoimmune condition that affects newborns whose mothers carry specific antibodies. It is caused by maternal anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies crossing the placenta during pregnancy and affecting the developing fetus. The Sjögren's Antibodies (SS-A, SS-B) test is the most important test for assessing risk, as the presence of these antibodies in pregnant mothers helps healthcare providers implement appropriate monitoring strategies.

Question 2

What causes neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal lupus is caused by maternal autoimmune antibodies, specifically anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies, crossing the placenta during pregnancy. These antibodies are typically present in mothers with autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus or Sjögren's syndrome. When these antibodies enter the fetal circulation, they can affect the baby's heart, skin, liver, and blood cells, causing temporary or permanent complications depending on the organs involved.

Question 3

What is the best test for neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

The Sjögren's Antibodies (SS-A, SS-B) test is the most important test for assessing neonatal lupus risk because it detects the specific maternal antibodies that cross the placenta and cause the condition. Testing pregnant mothers with known autoimmune disorders for SS-A and SS-B antibodies is essential, as SS-B antibodies are particularly associated with congenital heart block, the most serious complication of neonatal lupus. Early detection allows doctors to monitor the pregnancy closely with fetal echocardiograms and prepare for specialized newborn care if needed.

Question 4

When should I get tested for neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and have been diagnosed with lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, or another autoimmune disorder. Testing is also recommended if you have unexplained autoimmune symptoms like joint pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, or skin rashes, even without a formal diagnosis. Women who previously had a baby with neonatal lupus should be tested in subsequent pregnancies, as the risk of recurrence is higher. Early testing allows your healthcare team to monitor your baby throughout pregnancy and plan appropriate care.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal lupus symptoms typically appear within the first few weeks after birth and most commonly include a distinctive red rash on the face, scalp, or body that may worsen with sun exposure. Some babies develop liver problems causing jaundice or elevated liver enzymes, while others may have low blood counts affecting red cells, white cells, or platelets. The most serious manifestation is congenital heart block, where the electrical signals in the baby's heart are disrupted, which can be detected during pregnancy through fetal monitoring. Most symptoms except heart block are temporary and resolve by six months of age as maternal antibodies clear from the baby's system.

Question 6

Who is at risk for neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

Mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, or other autoimmune conditions are at risk for having babies with neonatal lupus. Women who carry anti-Ro/SS-A or anti-La/SS-B antibodies are at highest risk, even if they have no symptoms or undiagnosed autoimmune disease. Mothers who previously had a baby with neonatal lupus face a 15-20% recurrence risk in future pregnancies. The condition is rare, affecting only about 1-2% of babies born to mothers with these antibodies, but the risk increases significantly if the mother has both SS-A and SS-B antibodies present.

Question 7

What happens if neonatal lupus is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated neonatal lupus can lead to serious complications, particularly congenital heart block, which causes permanent damage to the heart's electrical system and may require a pacemaker in infancy or childhood. Without proper monitoring, skin rashes can become severe and lead to scarring, though most resolve on their own by six months. Liver dysfunction and blood count abnormalities can worsen if not monitored, potentially requiring medical intervention. Early detection through maternal antibody testing allows doctors to monitor the fetus closely during pregnancy and provide immediate care at birth, significantly improving outcomes and preventing life-threatening complications.

Question 8

Can neonatal lupus be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal lupus cannot be directly diagnosed with a blood test in the newborn, but maternal blood testing is essential for risk assessment. The Sjögren's Antibodies (SS-A, SS-B) test identifies pregnant mothers who carry the antibodies that cause neonatal lupus, allowing doctors to monitor the pregnancy closely. After birth, blood tests can confirm the presence of maternal antibodies in the baby's blood and check for complications like low blood counts or liver problems. Diagnosis is typically made by combining the mother's antibody status with the baby's clinical symptoms and any detected heart abnormalities on echocardiogram.

Question 9

How is neonatal lupus treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for neonatal lupus focuses on managing specific symptoms, as most manifestations are temporary and resolve within the first six months of life. Skin rashes are treated by avoiding sun exposure and applying topical corticosteroid creams if needed. Liver problems and blood count abnormalities are monitored closely and usually improve without treatment as maternal antibodies clear from the baby's system. Congenital heart block, the most serious complication, may require a pacemaker if the heart rate is dangerously slow. During pregnancy, some high-risk mothers may receive treatments like hydroxychloroquine or dexamethasone to reduce fetal complications, though these approaches are still being studied.

Question 10

How can I prevent neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent neonatal lupus if you carry SS-A or SS-B antibodies, early antibody testing before or during pregnancy allows for close monitoring and early intervention. Women with known autoimmune conditions should work with a high-risk pregnancy specialist who can perform frequent fetal echocardiograms to detect heart block early. Some studies suggest that taking hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy may reduce the risk of cardiac complications, so discuss this option with your doctor. Maintaining good control of your autoimmune condition before and during pregnancy, avoiding triggers, and following your treatment plan can help optimize outcomes for both you and your baby.

Question 11

What can I do at home for neonatal lupus?

Accepted Answer

If your baby has been diagnosed with neonatal lupus, protect their skin from sun exposure by keeping them out of direct sunlight and using protective clothing and baby-safe sunscreen when outdoors. Monitor your baby closely for any changes in symptoms, including worsening rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, extreme fatigue, or difficulty feeding, and report these to your pediatrician immediately. Ensure regular follow-up appointments to monitor blood counts, liver function, and heart rhythm as recommended by your healthcare team. While most symptoms resolve on their own within six months, staying vigilant and maintaining close communication with your medical providers helps ensure your baby receives prompt care if complications arise.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Neonatal Lupus Blood Test

What is Neonatal Lupus?

What causes neonatal lupus?

What is the best test for neonatal lupus?

When should I get tested for neonatal lupus?

References

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